Distillery present charity cheque to Mayor

Ged Irwin, David Irwin and Simon Wragg from Distillery FC presenting Mayor Andrew Ewing with a cheque for £600 which the club raised for the Mayor's charity. US1445-517cd Picture: Cliff Donaldson

Ged, David and Simon got their walking shoes on earlier in the season as they completed a 20 mile sponsored walk, which also raised funds for the club’d Academy, walking to all of the NIFL Championship 1 grounds in the Greater Belfast Area.

Their day in August started at Breda Park (Knockbreda FC) before the trio headed downhill to Tillysburn (Harland and Wolff Welders FC) and then back up to Wilgar Park (Dundela FC). From there it was then across Belfast to New Forge Lane (PSNI) then the tough uphill trek to Donegal Celtic Park (Donegal Celtic Park) before the “short” 4 mile journey to New Grosvenor Stadium.

And they did it in just over seven hours to make it back to New Grosvenor Stadium in time to take in Distillery’s opening day win over Knockbreda.

Before the game they were warmly welcomed home by the Mayor of Lisburn, Andrew Ewing, who also took in the game, as well as by club officials and supporters.

Reflecting on the journey at the time, Simon Wragg said; “The first highlight was hitting DC (Donegal Celtic) where we were made very welcome and Paul McAreavey made us a cup of tea which was nice. The general highlight was hitting the ground here and being welcomed by the Mayor, club officials and supporters.”

David Irwin added; “I enjoyed everything about it apart from walking downhill at Suffolk Road - walking with the other two was really enjoyable and we kept each other going.”

But it was David’s father, Ged, who had the last say on a memorable and successful event. When asked about his highlight he answered; “The amount of money we raised; we set ourselves a target of £1000 and we will exceed that so we are absolutely delighted. The old boy found it easy so he did; they had to keep up with me!”